The One Thing To Do in Illinois Before the End of the Year

As we enter the end of the year, there’s no better time than now to plan your trip to the 2025 Christkindlmarket in Chicago. The Christkindlmarket in Chicago’s Daley Plaza will be open from November 21 through Christmas Eve (December 24). As a born-and-raised Chicagoan, I can tell you firsthand that this truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

A tradition since I was a wee child, I’ve always looked forward to smelling the roasted almonds and warm cider in the market. As an adult, I’ve come to truly appreciate just how good this German-inspired Christmas market really is. My fiancé has been stationed in Germany for the last couple of years. As a result, I’ve gotten to attend quite a few authentic Christmas markets in Bavaria. After seeing a lot of competition, I can truly vouch for the Christkindlmarkt in Chicago being just as much fun and feeling just as authentic as the ones scattered throughout Munich.

Over the years, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago has expanded to other locations, such as the Chicago neighborhood of Wrigleyville and the suburb of Aurora, Illinois. Despite its growth, the Daley Plaza location remains an original favorite of mine. Be sure to come early, as it gets extremely crowded every single year. The line can wrap around the gate a few times, but I promise that it’s worth it.

One of my yearly bucket list experiences is getting a delicious serving of glühwein from the vendors. Every season, the Christkindlmarket designs new cups to serve the warm drink in. In past years, they’ve ranged from designs like little German boots to gingerbread men. I love adding them to my collection of glühwein mugs from Christmas markets around the world. You can shop around and enjoy traditional Bavarian pretzels for lunch or a variety of other festive food items. 

In addition to sipping on warm wine and indulging in delicious German treats, I love to browse the vendors. Vendors come from all over the world to sell handmade goods like ornaments and other trinkets. My friends and family always love it when I pick them up an ornament for the holidays from the Christkindlmarket. 

Further, the market is even more than just shopping and eating. You can attend special events like wine tastings, the Haus of Krampus, and Culture and Cheer Tours. The Haus of Krampus is a new event, meant to mimic the character of German folklore. At this one-day-only ticketed event, Krampus will show up with his tricks. Guests can enjoy a 75-minute experience that includes the opportunity to get a special printed photo with Krampus and enjoy a festive holiday beverage and pretzel.  

Every year that I’m in Chicago for the holidays, I make a pilgrimage to Daley Plaza’s Christkindlmarket, and it's a tradition I hope to carry on for the decades to come. It’s the perfect add-on to shopping at the Magnificent Mile or just strolling underneath the holiday lights. Chicago does the holiday season right. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Illinois trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.